Concrete saw cutting in Bend, Oregon
Control joints, openings, trenches and removals cut clean in slabs, driveways and walks, by the same contractor that pours them.
What concrete saw cutting covers
Saw cutting covers two kinds of work. The first is control joints: shallow cuts in new concrete that give the slab a planned place to crack as it shrinks, so the cracks stay hidden in a straight line instead of wandering across the surface. The second is cutting cured concrete: openings for doors and plumbing, trenches for utilities and drains, and clean edges where a section of slab, driveway or sidewalk is coming out.
Because RCC also pours concrete and flat work, cutting and replacement can be priced and scheduled as one job. If a damaged section is coming out, the crew that cuts it can patch it back in.
Timing, depth and dust
Control joints are cut while the concrete is still young. The American Concrete Institute recommends cutting contraction joints to at least one quarter of the slab thickness, and the Portland Cement Association's rule of thumb is joint spacing in feet of about two to three times the slab thickness in inches, so a 4 inch slab gets joints roughly every 8 to 12 feet. Cut too late and the slab may crack on its own first. Our guide on driveway thickness and rebar covers how thickness ties in.
Cutting concrete makes respirable crystalline silica dust. OSHA's construction silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) lists saws for cutting concrete in its Table 1 with water delivered to the blade as a required control, which is why the work is done wet. Cutting into a sidewalk or driveway approach in the public right of way in Bend also needs a City of Bend right-of-way permit; see sidewalk repair in Bend.
What to send for a bid
Call or email with as much of this as you have.
- The address and what needs cutting (joints, opening, trench, removal)
- Slab thickness, if known, and whether it has rebar or mesh
- Length of cuts or size of openings
- Photos of the area and access for equipment
- Whether the concrete is new or existing, and your timing
Questions about concrete saw cutting
How deep should control joints be cut?
At least one quarter of the slab thickness, according to the American Concrete Institute. A 4 inch slab needs joints at least 1 inch deep.
How far apart should control joints be?
The Portland Cement Association's rule of thumb is two to three times the slab thickness in inches, measured in feet. For a 4 inch slab, that is about every 8 to 12 feet.
Why is concrete cut wet?
Cutting concrete releases silica dust. OSHA's construction silica standard lists water delivered to the blade as a control for concrete saws.
Can RCC replace the concrete after cutting it out?
Yes. RCC pours concrete and flat work, so removal and replacement can be one job.
Related guides
Flat work
How thick should a concrete driveway be, and does it need rebar?
For passenger vehicles, 4 inches is the usual minimum, with 5 to 6 inches for trucks and RVs; ACI 332 sets a 3.5 inch floor.
Read the answerFlat workWho is responsible for fixing a damaged sidewalk in Bend?
The property owner. The City of Bend says property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks and fixing damaged ones, under Bend Municipal Code Chapter 3.30.
Read the answerConcreteCan you pour concrete in winter in Bend?
Yes, with protection. ACI treats it as cold weather concreting when air falls, or is expected to fall, below 40 degrees F.
Read the answerNeed concrete cut?
Send photos and the size of the job. We will quote the cutting and any replacement.
